Broadband operators should use existing infrastructure when providing fibre upgrades in the wake of the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act (TILPA), says InCoax.
Tue, 16/08/2022 - 11:07
The Government is aiming to cut broadband bills for low-income households through a new service run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which allows ISPs to verify whether customers are eligible for extra financial support.
This means customers will no longer need to prove their entitlement to broadband providers as regularly as every month.
Broadband providers are also being urged to offer and promote social tariffs as statistics show only 1.2% of those eligible have taken advantage of these packages.
“Some of the biggest network operators have already committed to take advantage of this new scheme and we want to see other providers follow their lead so that everyone eligible for a social tariff can access one,” said Cost of Living Business Tsar, David Buttress.
The scheme is supported by VMO2 who will use the system to verify eligible customers signing up to their Essential Broadband tariff.
Connectivity is a lifeline people can’t go without and we are committed to making it as easy as possible for customers to get support with the cost-of-living crisis,” said CEO Lutz Schüler.
“We’re working to implement the API as soon as possible making it faster and easier to sign up for our social tariff.”
Internet service providers will be required to gain customers’ consent before speaking to DWP about their eligibility and DWP will minimise the information provided.
